Obituary of Ralph G. Dreher

Ralph George Dreher was born January 9, 1918 in Vancouver, WA. He died April 28, 2014 at his home in Washougal. Ralph graduated from high school, and then joined the army, serving his first enlistment at Ft. Vancouver. He reenlisted in 1940 as the war in Europe escalated, and served with the 168th Infantry Regiment in Northern Africa and Italy. During the war he corresponded with the sister of an army buddy. Her name was Harriet, and she was living in San Francisco, while serving in the Coast Guard. After both were discharged, the two met in Vancouver in August, and married on September 2, 1945. Harriet was the love of Ralph's life. They were married 63 years until Harriet's death in 2009. The new couple made their home in Vancouver, where they remained for most of their lives. They loved to camp with their two sons, Michael and Philip. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their many friends and expended family. Ralph also loved fishing and gardening. His enormous gardens and raspberry patch provided delicious meals for many of their friends. Ralph and Harriet were both VFW Lifelong Members. Ralph worked for various construction companies, and for the City of Vancouver after the war. He eventually went to work at Crown Paper Mill in Camas. He retired from the mill in 1975. Ralph is survived by son, Philip Donna of Camas; grandson, Brent Missy of Beaverton, OR; granddaughter, Taryn, of Aloha OR; nephew Richard Kendall Holly; and by Tom Durgan of Vancouver who Ralph and Harriet considered "family by choice" for many years. Ralph was preceded in death by son Michael in 2007 and by Harriet in 2009. A Celebration of Ralph's Life will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 2 PM at Columbia Ridge Senior Living Facility, which is located off of Crown Road at 2300 W 9th Street in Washougal, WA. All are welcome. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas was in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.